This article is from page 19 of the 2011-10-11 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 19 JPG
A NEW report has praised the standard of Mathematics in Cluain an Átha National, describing it as a particular strength. Findings of the Department of Education and Skills whole school evaluation report of the Inagh School were published last week. The report praised teachers, stating they “are highly dedicated to the welfare of the pupils and work very hard to achieve the best possible learning outcomes”.
The report states that the school has a number of strengths. It found that “very effective organisational strategies have been developed to cope with the challenges of multi-grade teaching”. The report continues, “Commendable standards are achieved in the curriculum areas evaluated, with particular strengths in mathematics. The Board of Management contributes in a praiseworthy fashion to the provision of a safe, well-resourced and pleasant learning environment for pupils.” According to the report, “Parents are very supportive of the school and indicate high levels of satisfaction with overall school performance”, while “pupils interact with each other and with adults in a confident and respectful manner and are adept at working independently”.
The evaluation focused on the quality of and learning in English, mathematics, Irish and history. The school has an enrolment of 29 students with two mainstream class teachers. The report states that enrolment has declined since the last evaluation was carried out but is expected to remain close to the current figure for the foreseeable future.
In a submission, the Board of Management says it “is delighted with the findings of the report”. They thank “the inspector for his encouragement and advice. We appreciate the respect which he showed to us during the evaluation process.”
The report “recommended that school self-evaluation practices be formalised to include the setting of specific and measurable targets”. The report continues, “It is recommended that the teachers continue to build capacity to integrate information and communication technologies (ICT) into teaching and learning”.
In their response, the Board says it is implementing the recommendations of the inspection with regard to school self- evaluation practices.”
The submission states, “ICT infrastructure has been upgraded and ICT facilities within the school continue to be developed. Staff training in integrating ICT into teaching and learning has commenced.”